ROBAN: The implementation of the Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) and Resettlement Scheme (SPS) is proof that the Sarawak government is doing its best to maximise development in rural areas.

Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri said that structured residentials such as SPK and SPS were important because this would make it easier to plan other utilities.

“For example, roads, water and electricity and other needs.

“It means that the government wants an orderly settlement, and not where the distance between the houses is so close that it is difficult to create a good drainage system…roads that follow specifications, etc.

“When structured settlements such as SPK and SPS are developed, the development of basic infrastructure as well as other important needs can be maximised in an orderly manner.”

Mohamad said this after holding a meeting with representatives of the Betong Land and Survey Department (JTS), Roban District Office, community and tribal leaders (KMKK) of Kampung Melayu Roban regarding the SPK proposal in the Roban Phase Two area.

“To build houses, the Sarawak government has various assistance programmes, especially for the low-income group (B40).

“For example, before there was a plan to build Rumah Spektra Mutiara (RSM), for the construction of affordable houses for those who have lots.

“The RSM programme is an affordable housing programme for low-income (B40) and medium-income (M40) Sarawakians who wish to build comfortable and quality homes on their own land.

“This programme prioritises land owners allocated by the Sarawak Land and Survey Department (JTS) under the SPK and the Resettlement Scheme (SPS) throughout the state.

“Through this programme, landowners need to apply for financing through Mutiara, who will finance the cost of building a house by the customer’s appointed contractor.

“The appointed contractor must be on the list of contractors approved by Mutiara and financing based on the construction cost value stated in the construction agreement signed by the customer and the contractor through the Mutiara Dream Home Financing Scheme (MDHFS) product,” he said.